Fox Valley community leaders protest proposed Medicaid cuts

APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - Fox Valley community leaders sounded the alarm Thursday to protect Medicaid funding from being cut. A budget resolution in Congress would eliminate $880 billion over the next decade.

Medicaid covers everything from medical and dental work, behavioral health management, prescriptions, even glasses, for those with limited income, elderly or are disabled.

Community leaders are calling this not only a policy issue, but also a human issue. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services resorts over one million people in Wisconsin have Medicaid.

In a recent DHS report, Wisconsin could lose nearly $17 billion in Medicaid cuts, over the next 10 years. On Thursday afternoon, papers on a table listed the reasons how Medicaid has helped everyday people in their own lives.

One woman we spoke with is taking 25 pills a day for her continuing health issues. Without Medicaid, she would not be able to pay for the co-pays to see specialists.

“I would not be able to afford the medication that is keeping me alive, and I personally want to reach my 100th birthday. I’ve got 20 more years, and Medicaid helps me do that,” said Peggy Skruch, a Medicaid recipient.

President Donald Trump and other Republicans have said they are not looking to cut benefits under programs like Medicaid. They would like to identify the people taking advantage of the system and committing fraud.

Congress will take a vote later this month.